Tom Hanks making movie about Leno and Letterman

In the midst of NBC’s highly-publicized late night shuffle, development is underway on a movie about several of the players involved. William Knoedelseder‘s book, I’m Dying Up Here: Heartbreak and High Times in Stand-up Comedy’s Golden Era is being adapted for the screen by Playtone, Tom Hanks’ production company.

The story focuses on The Comedy Store, LA’s premiere comedy club during the 70’s and 80’s and the venue where Jay Leno, David Letterman, Tim Allen, Richard Lewis and countless others had their breaks. The club was run by the controversial Mitzi Shore, who, though nurturing of comedic talent, had a policy of not paying her club’s performers. Miffed by their lack of compensation, a large number of comedians angrily went on strike, changing the scene forever. No word yet on timing or who will play who.